W3 Professorship in the field of Polar Marine Geology and Palaeoclimatology / Palaeoceanography – Deadline 12 December 2025

In a joint appointment procedure (Berlin model) with the Alfred Wegener Institute, Helmholtz Centre for Polar and Marine Research (AWI) in Bremerhaven (AWI), the University of Bremen, in the Faculty of Earth Sciences, is offering a W3 professorship (f/m/d) in the field of Polar Marine Geology and Palaeoclimatology/Palaeoceanography – Reference number P523/25

If the general requirements under civil service law are met, tenure is granted for life.

The professorship is located in the Faculty of Geosciences at the University of Bremen and is associated with the leadership of a scientific section (in rotation) at the AWI.

We are looking for an exceptional geoscientist with proven expertise in Cenozoic paleoclimatology and paleoceanography, particularly in the polar/subpolar oceans. You should have extensive experience in the field of multi-proxy paleoclimate reconstructions. Knowledge of sedimentological, geochemical and micropaleontological approaches and their application to generate proxy records documenting physical and biological interactions in the land-ocean-ice-atmosphere systems and the Southern Ocean and Arctic carbon cycle is required. A key aspect of the research is on changes in ocean circulation, ocean temperature, biogenic and terrigenous fluxes, salinity and sea ice fluctuations, and potential links to ice sheet dynamics affecting atmospheric CO₂ fluctuations and amplifying Earth’s response to climate change. Time-scales might range from multidecadal, orbital to longer-term paleoclimatic variations during the Cenozoic.

• You will advance high-latitude paleoclimate research by fostering interdisciplinary collaborations and incorporating innovative analytical approaches.
• You will contribute to national and international initiatives (e.g., at MARUM, via DFG Priority Programmes SPP 1158 and 527, SWAIS-2C or Antarctica InSync) and should have a strong background and network in international research.
• Responsibilities include a teaching load of 2 lecture hours (LVS) per semester at the University of Bremen in the field of paleoclimatology in the bachelor’s and/or master’s degree programmes of the Faculty of Geosciences. In particular, the curriculum should integrate current, high-impact research findings to heighten student awareness of polar paleoclimate research’s role in understanding present and future climate developments.
• You are expected to develop scientific objectives and strategies to lead and network polar ocean research campaigns and to enhance our understanding of inter- and intrahemispheric mechanisms driving climate variability and the carbon cycle.

• A university degree with a geoscientific focus, an outstanding doctorate in one of the above-mentioned research areas, a habilitation or equivalent performance records, participation in national and international committees and other outstanding scientific achievements in the field of polar marine paleoclimatology are required.
• Extensive experience in the management of organizational units and in the performance of other management tasks is essential.
• Experience in the coordination of international research projects in securing external funding is essential, as is a commitment to mentoring and developing the next generation of researchers.
• Pedagogical competence and didactic commitment are required.
• We expect experience in planning and conducting marine geological expeditions, including international programs such as IODP.
• We expect a high level of motivation and strong willingness for interdisciplinary cooperation within the AWI, with research groups at the University of Bremen / MARUM and further national and international research groups.

We offer an exciting and dynamic research environment and the opportunity to develop an own profile and innovative research projects. Work will be supported by a team of highly motivated and scientifically exceptional individuals. The candidate will benefit from state-of-the-art facilities with modern laboratories and research infrastructure, a supportive work-life balance, and the opportunity to shape the own career.

The appointment as a professor is made on the basis of §§ 18, 20 BremHG and §116 BremBG. AWI and University Bremen consider the realization of diversity, including gender equality and the equality of all genders, as well as the improvement of family friendliness and the compatibility of family, care, and professional life, to be a top priority for its management. To this end, AWI and University Bremen have been following the Bremen State Equal Opportunities Act (LGG) since its enactment. Both are committed to diversity and encourage applications from scientists of all backgrounds, including those with a migration background and international candidates. Severely disabled applicants will be given preference, provided their qualifications are essentially equal.

For further information, contact the Dean Prof. Dr. Simone Kasemann (kasemann@uni-bremen.de) and Dr. Juliane Müller (juliane.mueller@awi.de) or consult: this link or this link.

Applications should include the usual documents (CV, list of publications, record of acquired third-party funding, list of taught courses, teaching evaluations (if available), certificates regarding qualifications and appointments) as well as research and teaching concepts. Applications should be sent to the following address by 12 December 2025, quoting reference number P 523/25:

By post to: University of Bremen – Fachbereich 05 Geowissenschaften, Fachbereichsverwaltung, Klagenfurter Str. 2-4, 28359 Bremen or by e-mail (as a single PDF file): fb05.bewerbung@uni-bremen.de

Please note that no photos should be included with your application documents.
We kindly ask you to submit only copies (no folders), as we are unable to return them. Once the selection process has been completed, your application documents will be stored in accordance with legal requirements and then destroyed. Any costs incurred in connection with the application process cannot be reimbursed.